HEAD START®

Effective Transition Practices: Facilitating Continuity

Training Guides for the Head Start Learning Community

Table of Contents | Preface | Introduction | Module 1 | Module 2 | Module 3 | Continuing Professional Development | Informational Resources Section

informational resources overview

The Informational Resources section of the training guide Effective Transition Practices: Facilitating Continuity is designed to be used with the workshop and coaching activities in the Skill-Based Training section. This section can also be used outside the training sessions as quick reference materials for those seeking transition-related information and examples of promising program practices.

Digests, Program Profiles, Hands-on Activities, and Resources are included in this section. The variety of materials can help prepare trainers and assist all staff in implementing effective transition practices for young children and families in their programs. A description of each of the four categories along with suggestions for using the materials follows.

Digests

Each digest summarizes fundamental information on the topics of transition, change, continuity, and support. The brief articles reflect current research and express a consensus of expert views on transition issues. Consider using these articles in the following ways:

• Read in preparation for training sessions
  
  
• Summarize and share information with training participants as directed in the Introductory Activity, and Activities 1-4, 1-5, 2-1, and 2-3
  
  
• Reproduce and disseminate to interested participants in additional training sessions
  
  
• Reprint in community and school newsletters
  
  
• Share with parents during parent meetings
  
  
• Share with administrators and other school and community officials to establish a baseline for discussing transition issues
  

Program Profiles

This section provides an overview of promising practices that were developed and implemented by model programs, local communities, and nonprofit organizations. Profiles of transition programs from both within and outside of Head Start are included. These examples reflect the diverse nature of programs throughout the country. Consider using these resources in the following ways:

• Disseminate in Activities 3-2 and 3-4
  
  
• Disseminate as supplemental material in additional training sessions
  
  
• Share with administrators and community leaders as examples of programs with continuity
  
  
• Adapt ideas for use in your own community
  
  
• Contact programs and learn more about their first steps
  
  
• Share with program staff so they understand the many facets of program continuity

Hands-on Activities

This section offers examples of concrete transition activities for individuals to try in their own programs or homes. The materials provide guidance to those who would like to initiate new practices. All staff and parents can become involved in providing support to children and families. The Hands-on Activities assist them in identifying effective strategies for children at different developmental levels. In addition, there are procedures for developing parent and child programs. Consider these suggestions for use:

• Distribute to training participants and use as directed in Activities 1-5, 2-4, and 2-5
  
  
• Disseminate as supplemental material in other training sessions
  
  
• Disseminate to program staff who are developing new transition activities
  
  
• Publish in school and community newsletters
  
  
• Share ideas with key partners in transition, including parents

Resources

This list of additional resource materials includes books, journal articles, videotapes, and other documents. Information for obtaining these resources is also included. Suggestions for use include:

• Obtain and read materials that provide more information about change, transition, and continuity
  
  
• Share list with participants in training sessions to further their professional development in transition
  
  
• Use materials listed as additional resources during training and program development